Researchers based at the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, received funding from Fight for Sight and the Special Trustees of Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust which has resulted in the design of a new test that can spot the first stages of sight loss in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The test could lead to earlier diagnosis for millions of people worldwide. Professor Roger Anderson led the research team. AMD affects the macula – the central part of the light-sensitive layer of the eye (the retina)…
Author: Deep
It’s not uncommon for video game companies to run simulations of big games in their products to whip up a little consumer interest before the events. But when Electronic Arts’ “Madden NFL” puts on its prognostication helmet, it’s worth listening to what it has to say. The long-running franchise, coming off last year’s perfect prediction of the game, has projected the winner for Super Bowl 50: the Carolina Panthers. The video game predicts the Panthers will keep pounding to beat the Denver Broncos on Sunday by a score of 24-20, with a dramatic finish led by Panther quarterback Cam Newton.…
Scientists have discovered new genetic areas linked to an increased risk of glaucoma – the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The investigation studied the genetic make up of about 40,000 people and identified five previously unknown genetic areas linked to an increased risk of primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG). Co-author of the study Professor Jamie Craig from Flinders University in South Australia said PACG symptoms occurred quickly and required immediate medical attention. “This new discovery provides a handle, to gain an understanding of the mechanisms of the disease. This will help to work out who is at risk of…
As digital sales of video games take a bite out of its bottom line,GameStop is dipping its toes into potential new revenue streams that are a bit outside its comfort zone. The retailer announced Thursday it will act as the publisher for the new title from storied game developer Insomniac Games, creators of the “Ratchet and Clank” series and “Sunset Overdrive.” In practical terms, that means it will be the exclusive brick-and-mortar retailer for “Songs of the Deep,” though players will be able to purchase digital copies through PC distribution services, the Xbox Marketplace and the PlayStation Store. GameStop will…
It’s not a hair-brained idea: A new research report appearing in the April 2014 issue of The FASEB Journal explains why people with a rare balding condition called “atrichia with papular lesions” lose their hair, and it identifies a strategy for reversing this hair loss. Specifically the report shows for the first time that the “human hairless gene” imparts an essential role in hair biology by regulating a subset of other hair genes. This newly discovered molecular function likely explains why mutations in the hairless gene contribute to the pathogenesis of atrichia with papular lesions. In addition, this gene also…
Instagram will soon rearrange its users’ feeds based on relevancy rather than chronological order, the photo-sharing app said in an official blogpost on Tuesday. Instagram said it hopes that a more tailored feed will improve the overall user experience. The company told CNBC it’s using machine learning to detect patterns and adapt to users’ behavior. “If your favorite musician shares a video from last night’s concert, it will be waiting for you when you wake up, no matter how many accounts you follow or what time zone you live in,” the company said. “And when your best friend posts a…
Lily Huang crushes up the human hair prior to testing. Credit: Image courtesy of Queen’s University Crime fighters could have a new tool at their disposal following promising research by Queen’s professor Diane Beauchemin. Dr. Beauchemin (Chemistry) and student Lily Huang (MSc’15) have developed a cutting-edge technique to identify human hair. Their test is quicker than DNA analysis techniques currently used by law enforcement. Early sample testing at Queen’s produced a 100 per cent success rate. “My first paper and foray into forensic chemistry was developing a method of identifying paint that could help solve hit and run cases,” explains…
As if Twitter needed another problem, a recent survey suggests advertisers are souring on the social media platform. Advertiser interest in Twitter began cresting early last year, but the latest survey by RBC Capital Markets found a significant jump in the number of advertisers who plan to decrease their spending on the website. According to the survey, 23 percent of Twitter advertisers plan to decrease spending, while 32 percent plan to increase spending. “There’s a real negative tell in here,” RBC lead Internet analyst Mark Mahaney told CNBC’s “Squawk Alley” on Wednesday. “Just like there are momentum stock buyers, guess…
Random Access Memory (RAM) wears out over time. If your PC frequently freezes, reboots, or brings up a BSOD (Blue Screen Of Death), bad RAM just might be the problem. Corrupt files can be another sign of bad RAM, especially when the corruption is found in files that you’ve used recently. Another possible symptom: The PC slows down considerably as you use it, but seems re-energized after a boot. But don’t just pull out and replace all of your RAM sticks. You need to diagnose them. That way, you’ll know which stick (if any) is bad. And no, don’t try…
Check out which companies are making headlines before the bell: General Mills — The cereal maker announced a quarterly dividend increase of five percent, from 46 cents per share from 44 cents. Separately, General Mills announced the election of Kimberly-ClarkChief Financial Officer Maria Henry to its board of directors. Valeant Pharmaceuticals — The drug maker has appointed three new independent directors to its board, including Pershing Square Capital Management Vice Chairman Stephen Fraidin. Pershing is a major shareholder in the drug company. Crown Media — Majority owner Hallmark Cards will buy the portion of Crown that it doesn’t already own…